English test for the 485 Temporary Graduate visa: scores and rules

Where the 485 English rule comes from

Clause 485.212(1) has two limbs. Either the application is accompanied by evidence that you took a test specified in a legislative instrument and achieved the specified score within the specified period, or you hold a passport of a type the instrument specifies. LIN 25/089 fills both in: section 6 lists the tests, section 7 and Schedules 1 and 2 set the scores, section 8 sets the period, and section 9 lists the passports. It replaced the 2024 instrument (LIN 24/021).

The score, test by test

Every test except IELTS and CELPIP has a different number for each skill, as well as an overall score, and both have to be met:

• IELTS Academic or General Training: 6.5 average, with no skill below 5.5.
• PTE Academic: 55 overall, with at least 40 listening, 42 reading, 41 writing and 39 speaking.
• TOEFL iBT: 81 total, with at least 12 listening, 12 reading, 14 writing and 17 speaking.
• OET: 1310 overall, with at least 260 listening, 280 reading, 260 writing and 310 speaking.
• CELPIP General: 8 overall, with at least 6 in each skill.
• LANGUAGECERT Academic: 67 overall, with at least 49 listening, 54 reading, 56 writing and 62 speaking.
• MET: 58 overall, with at least 53 listening, 51 reading, 51 writing and 43 speaking.
• C1 Advanced: listed in section 6 but not accepted for the score requirement (Schedule 1, item 1).

Home Affairs notes that OET doesn't print an overall score on its result report, and says to contact OET to get the overall score for your application.

The 1-year window

Section 8 of LIN 25/089 requires the score to have been achieved within the period of 1 year before the day you apply. That's much shorter than the 3 years used for competent English. Because clause 485.212 asks for the evidence to accompany the application, the result has to be in hand on the day you lodge.

Passport holders don't need a score

Section 9 of LIN 25/089 specifies a valid passport issued to a citizen of Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States. Under clause 485.212(1)(b), holding one meets the English criterion without a test. Home Affairs' 485 page lists the same five countries.

Hong Kong and BNO passport holders

Holders of a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport aren't exempt, but Schedule 2 of LIN 25/089 gives them a lower table: IELTS 6.0 average with 5.0 in each skill, PTE Academic 47 overall with 33/36/29/24, TOEFL iBT 67 total with 8/8/9/14, OET 1210 overall with 220/240/200/270, CELPIP General 7 overall with 5 in each skill, LANGUAGECERT Academic 61 overall with 41/44/45/54, or MET 53 overall with 49/47/45/38. C1 Advanced isn't accepted for them either. The same 1-year window applies.

Who doesn't have to meet the English criterion

Clause 485.212(2) switches the English requirement off for two groups:

• applicants for a further 485 based on earlier regional study, who meet clause 485.232, 485.233, 485.234 or 485.235 (among other things, they have lived, and done any work or study, only in a regional area for at least 2 years before applying);
• applicants who nominate the Replacement stream.

Retakes and at-home tests

Home Affairs' 485 page says it accepts IELTS results that include One Skill Retake, and MET results that include Single Section Retake, for this visa, and that any retake has to be completed before you lodge. IELTS says a One Skill Retake has to be sat within 60 days of the original test.

At-home tests such as IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition and OET@Home aren't accepted. For TOEFL iBT, Home Affairs says to register under 'Taking TOEFL for Australia'.

Tests taken before 7 August 2025

Section 10 of LIN 25/089 kept an older table (Schedules 3 and 4) for tests taken before 7 August 2025: for most applicants IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each skill, PTE Academic 57 overall with 43/48/51/42, TOEFL iBT 83 total with 7/8/18/16, Cambridge English: Advanced 176 overall with 162 in each skill, or OET grade B in each skill, achieved in a single sitting (OET excepted). But those results also had to fall within 1 year before the application. As at 30 October 2026, no test taken before 7 August 2025 can be within that year, so the old table no longer helps anyone applying now.

Lining up the test with your application

1. Check whether you need a score at all: passport holders from the five countries, second-485 regional applicants and Replacement stream applicants don't.
2. Pick a test and sit it at a test centre within the year before you plan to lodge.
3. Check both lines: the overall score and every skill score in the table above.
4. Allow for results and any retake. Pearson says PTE Academic results usually arrive within two days but can take up to five working days; IELTS gives 1 to 5 days for IELTS on computer. A One Skill Retake has to be finished before you lodge.
5. Attach the evidence to the application. For OET, include the overall score you get from OET.

Do I need an English test for the 485 if I hold a UK passport?

Not if you're a UK citizen with a valid UK passport. Section 9 of LIN 25/089 names UK, Canadian, New Zealand, Irish and US passports, and clause 485.212 accepts the passport instead of a score.

Can I take an online English test at home for the 485?

No. Home Affairs doesn't accept tests delivered completely online, such as IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition or OET@Home.

How long is my English result valid for the 485?

The score has to be achieved within 1 year before the day you apply (LIN 25/089, section 8). That's shorter than the 3 years used for skilled visas.

Is PTE 50 enough for a 485?

Not for a test taken from 7 August 2025. PTE Academic needs 55 overall with at least 40 listening, 42 reading, 41 writing and 39 speaking. Hong Kong and BNO passport holders need 47 overall with 33/36/29/24.

Is C1 Advanced accepted for the 485?

No. LIN 25/089 lists C1 Advanced as a test but says it isn't accepted for the 485 score requirement.

What if I took my test before 7 August 2025?

An older table applied to those tests, but the result also had to be within 1 year before you apply. As at 30 October 2026 every test taken before 7 August 2025 is more than a year old, so it can't be used for a new 485 application.